Skip to main content

Understanding Neurodiversity

April 08, 2022

In the latest NALP Bulletin, Maureen Reilly reviews a book that explores why understanding neurodiversity is a necessity for all professions.

In the most recent bulletin published by the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), Maureen Reilly, Associate Dean and Executive Director of the Office of Career Strategy, reviewed Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals by Haley Moss.

In her review, Reilly amplifies the importance of understanding neurodiversity in the legal profession and encourages leaders to challenge spaces that may not be welcoming to neurodiverse lawyers.

What makes this book particularly compelling is that, in addition to drawing on science and the law, Moss explains neurodiversity through the direct experiences and insights of neurodivergent legal professionals, educators, and students, including Moss herself, who is autistic. Her style of writing, which integrates her own experiences throughout the book, adds credibility and relatability that makes this more than an informational resource. Released in 2021, this book will expand your knowledge, help check your biases, inspire you to appreciate neurodiversity in the legal profession, and give you some tools to make that happen.

This engaging read is perfect for anyone who wants to increase their knowledge about the role of neurodiversity in the legal profession and learn new ways to contribute to greater inclusivity… .

Creating a more welcoming workspace and making it inclusive “is not about
giving someone a pass,” writes Reilly. “It is about making work accessible for people who work differently. Meeting the needs of a neurodiverse workforce puts everyone on a more equal footing with their peers.”

Read Reilly’s full book review.